Marsh Towers features reviews of books, shows and events together with sundry musings

Saturday, 13 April 2013

Savoy Brown: Songs From The Road

Songs From The Road

Savoy Brown

Savoy Brown have been pumping out the blues rock since the mid-1960s. Kim Simmonds is the only original member left in the band, but as singer/songwriter and guitarist there's no danger of the Savoy Brown turning things down from 11.

Songs From The Road is a live recording on the Ruf Records label that hits the ground running from the scorching instrumental opener - 24/7 - through to the closing Wang Dang Doodle.

2011's best-selling Voodoo Moon album is well represented here, as one would expect with She's Got The Heat, Natural Man, Voodoo Moon, Meet The Blues Head On and Shockwaves all present and correct. However, with a back catalogue dipping toes into six different decades, room is still found for earlier material to rub shoulders with the new. For example, Street Corner Talking goes all the way back to 1971 but doesn't sound even remotely dated.

Of course, simply listening to the songs gives just half of the experience. Another great thing about this release is that it comes with a full DVD of the concert too, complete with two bonus tracks - Little Red Rooster and Louisiana Blues - plus an illuminating 10-minute interview with Kim Simmonds.

Your ears may need a rest afterwards, but I can recommend this slice of fast and furious blue rock to all those who want to see an uncompromising band playing as if their lives depend on it.